The early verdict on the Class of 2012 is the next crop of high school senior prospects could be very good. Just not as good.

"It will be a better class than last year," said Tim Watts, a recruiting analyst for BamaOnli ne.com and Rivals.com. "We're still trying to evaluate. We think it might be close to 2008, but Julio's class was deeper."

With that in mind, we asked Watts and Jason Caldwell of autigers.com to give us insight into the early recruiting of current members of the junior class.

Watts broke down Alabama's top instate targets for 2012 and Caldwell did the same for Auburn.

The lists differ, in some instances, due to program evaluations and needs.

But consider this a very early snapshot:

Auburn's top targets

> Kwon Alexander/ Oxford LB -- Caldwell believes the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Alexander could emerge as the top-ranked linebacker in the nation due to his aggressiveness and speed. Given Auburn's depth issues, he could be enticed by immediate playing time.

> Beniquez Brown/ Florence RB-LB -- The versatile athlete brings NFL size (6-2, 202) to the table after rushing for more than 1,000 yards and recording 130 tackles. Like Alexander, he could fit an immediate need - but on either side of the ball.

> Michael Flint/Oxford OL -- An early Auburn commitment, Flint has size (6-4, 303) and the ability to play inside or out, thanks to his agility. Caldwell believes he gives Auburn a great start for the Class of 2012.

> Justin Shanks/ Prattville DT -- Defensive tackles are a hot commodity, as ex-Auburn star Nick Fairley is about to find out in the NFL draft. The 6-3, 290-pound Shanks is solidly built and can be an every down tackle while creating backfield chaos.

> T.J. Yeldon/Daphne RB -- The 6-2, 195-pounder is adept as a runner and a receiver, the perfect fit for Gus Malzahn's offense. He could be one of Auburn's top targets as a playmaker for 2012.

Alabama's top targets

> Kwon Alexander/ Oxford LB -- Watts said Alexander fits the Alabama mold of aggressive linebackers, and would be a good fit in Nick Saban's defense due to his speed and work ethic. Alabama's competition won't be just Auburn - Alexander is being recruited by everyone.

> Tyler Hayes/ Thomasville ATH -- The early Alabama commitment "probably isn't at the C.J. Mosley level yet," Watts said, alluding to the Crimson Tide's freshman All-American linebacker. Hayes (6-3, 215) can do a lot, including return kicks, and has a high football IQ.

> Reggie Ragland/Bob Jones LB -- Watts said he's an NFL-sized linebacker (6-4, 245) who can also play tight end. But he's more likely to play on defense after committing to Alabama.

> Jameis Winston/ Hueytown QB -- Winston (6-4, 200) is one of the most highly regarded quar terbacks in the country and a prime target for Alabama. He's also a potential early round pick in the major league baseball draft. But, according to Watts, Alabama has already agreed to let him play both sports if he signs with the Crimson Tide.

> T.J. Yeldon/Daphne ATH -- Watts believes he could also play safety if he signed with Alabama. But, given his talents, Yeldon is still going to be one of Alabama's top two in-state targets among the skill players, along with Winston, Watts said.